How does Boss Up work?

Boss Up is crowdfunding + pitch competition. Traditionally, a pitch competition has an audience, a panel of judges and pitch participants. The participants pitch to the panel, the panel gives feedback and makes the decision on who get's the funding. At Boss Up, the audience members are the judges and make the decision on who votes.

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How does the timing work?

Each participant has 3 minutes to pitch their idea followed by a 3 minute Q&A from the audience. At the conclusion of all of the pitches the audience will vote.

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Can I donate even if I can't attend?

YES. Ticket proceeds go toward helping black women entrepreneurs grow their business. You can buy a ticket to support. 

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Can I pitch virtually?

At the moment no. We are planning for an annual virtual pitch competition. Join our mailing list and stay tuned.

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If you're not in the audience can you vote?

NO. If someone who is not in the room votes it will compromise the integrity of the competition. In this rare case, we will not be able to declare a winner. 

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Is the competition only in Washington, DC?

NO! We are coming to a city near you. We are a catalyst for local economic growth in any area we visit. The idea is for every Boss Up applicant to reside or have a business established within a 50 mile radius of the venue where the event will take place. Interested in bringing Boss Up to your city? Email contact@blackgirlventures.org

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What does the winner win?

1st place wins the money raised at the door, 10 hours of business consulting, meeting with an investor, 12 t-shirts for her business, a consultation with a lawyer and a consultation with an accountant. 2nd place wins 5 hours of business consulting, a consultation with a lawyer and a consultation with an accountant. The 1st and 2nd place winner become a part of the "winner's circle" which gives them access to extra perks and discounts. All pitch participants become a part of the BGV Lady Boss Cohort for that season which gives them access to extra perks as well. 

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Can men pitch?

No. Men can attend, ask questions and vote.

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Is this only for Black Women?

Black and Brown women entrepreneurs are affected by implicit bias and inequity from funders most. Black Girl Ventures is dedicated to increasing the number of revenue generating black woman-owned businesses in the US and beyond. Everything that we do is in support of that mission.

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Can men and/or people who are NOT people of color attend?

YES! Everyone can/should support black women entrepreneurs. 

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Are you looking for partners or volunteers?

YES. Email us at contact@blackgirlventures.org

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Got questions? We got answers! Email us at contact@blackgirlventures.org.

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